By: Favour Okere. BNSc. RN. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by Chika Okpobiri, MD
.jpg)
School age African girls showing off donated menstrual products
Menstruation is a natural biological process that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. Menstrual health is a vital aspect of overall health and well-being for women, yet it remains a neglected issue, particularly for many young girls in resource-limited settings across Africa. [1]
Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products, limited knowledge about menstruation, and sociocultural taboos can affect the physical, mental, and educational outcomes of African girls.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the menstrual health situation for girls in Africa, the current practices, benefits, challenges, and potential solutions to improve menstrual health management in resource-limited settings across Africa.
In Africa, menstrual health practices among girls vary widely across the continent. However, managing menstruation safely and with dignity presents numerous challenges in many African communities. It is often influenced by sociocultural norms, economic status, and access to resources.
In many rural communities, girls may rely on improvised and unhygienic materials such as the use of non-absorbent and uncomfortable clothing, cotton wool, newspaper, and even leaves to manage their periods, thus putting them at risk of infection and disrupting their daily lives. [2]
Even in urban areas, the high cost of commercially produced pads and tampons can make them inaccessible for many families.
In 2022, UNFPA conducted a state-wide assessment on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) across secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. It was found that the majority, around 57% of the girls, had poor knowledge about menstrual hygiene, and over 77% reported re-using their menstrual materials (which are non-reusable pads). [3]
Also, beyond the practical challenges of managing menstruation, many African girls also face significant stigma and taboos surrounding this natural bodily function.
Menstruation is often shrouded in secrecy, with girls expected to hide their periods and avoid discussing them openly. [4] This lack of open dialogue can lead to misinformation, shame, and feelings of embarrassment, further worsening the challenges faced by adolescent girls.
Related: Demystifying the Menstrual Cycle for African Women
Ensuring that African girls have access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate menstrual health management solutions can have far-reaching positive impacts. Benefits of safe menstrual health management include:
When girls have access to proper menstrual health management, it significantly impacts their educational journey. The most immediate impact is seen in school attendance rates, as girls no longer need to miss school during their menstrual periods. In Uganda, it was found that providing sanitary pads and menstrual health education to girls had a positive impact on their school attendance [5].
With proper facilities and supplies at school, they can continue learning and fully participate in all academic activities. [6] This consistent attendance leads to better academic performance and increased likelihood of completing their education.
Girls who can manage their periods effectively show higher levels of classroom participation and improved concentration during lessons. The confidence gained from proper menstrual management also encourages them to engage more actively in school activities, including sports and leadership roles. [7] This comprehensive educational engagement creates a foundation for their future academic and professional success.
Safe menstrual health management plays a big role in maintaining girls' physical wellbeing. When girls have access to clean, appropriate menstrual products and proper washing facilities, they significantly reduce their risk of developing reproductive tract infections. Regular changing of menstrual products and proper cleaning prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that could lead to serious health complications. [8]
Girls who practice good menstrual hygiene experience fewer instances of skin irritation and rashes commonly associated with using inappropriate materials or wearing the same product for too long. This improved hygiene practice also leads to a reduced incidence of urinary tract infections. Also, when girls understand their menstrual health, they are able to understand their bodies better and can identify and seek help for any menstrual irregularities or health concerns. [9]
The psychological impact of proper menstrual health management cannot be overstated. [10] Girls who have access to appropriate menstrual products and education experience significantly reduced anxiety and stress during their periods. They no longer worry about potential embarrassing leaks or odors, which allows them to focus on their daily activities with confidence.
This improved management leads to enhanced self-esteem and a stronger sense of dignity. Girls develop better emotional resilience during menstruation, feeling more in control of their bodies and their situations. The reduction in shame and embarrassment associated with menstruation helps them maintain healthy social relationships and participate fully in daily activities.
Safe menstrual health management also has social and economic advantages. Girls who can effectively manage their periods are more likely to participate in community activities and social gatherings, leading to stronger social networks and support systems. [11] The ability to maintain regular attendance at school or work translates into better employment opportunities in the future, contributing to their economic independence.
Families benefit from reduced healthcare costs associated with poor menstrual hygiene, and the availability of affordable, sustainable menstrual solutions lessens the financial burden on households. Open communication about menstruation within families helps build stronger relationships and trust, breaking down generational barriers and taboos.
The widespread adoption of safe menstrual health management practices creates lasting positive changes in communities. As more girls and women become educated about menstrual health, they become powerful advocates for change, helping to break down long-standing taboos and stigmas. This knowledge sharing creates a more supportive environment for future generations, where menstruation is viewed as a natural process rather than a source of shame.
Despite the many benefits of safe menstrual health management, African girls continue to face many issues and challenges that compromise their ability to enjoy the benefits. These include:
The economic burden of menstrual products creates significant challenges across Africa. [12] In Nigeria, period poverty affects over 37 million girls and women as they cannot afford essential menstrual hygiene products due to the high cost of sanitary pads. [13] In rural Kenya, girls report engaging in transactional sex to acquire menstrual products. This increases their risk of experiencing violence and sexually transmitted infections. [14]
Rwanda's experience with period poverty has however led to pioneering legislation in 2019, removing tax on menstrual products, though implementation challenges persist. [15]
The educational consequences of poor menstrual health management are particularly evident in countries of sub-Saharan Africa. In rural Gambia, research reported that 27% of school girls reported missing at least one school day during their monthly period due to poor school WASH facilities. [16] The health implications are equally concerning, with studies from Ethiopia showing that improvised menstrual materials can lead to increased rates of reproductive tract infections among adolescent girls. [17]
In addition to the physical health risks, the social stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation can have severe psychological and emotional consequences for African girls. In a study done among school girls in Enugu, Nigeria, participants highlighted experiences with menstrual-associated shame, embarrassment, stigma, and absenteeism while implicating rule enforcement in schools and the mode of discipline as encouraging menstrual-associated shame. [18]
Shame, stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation are contributing to serious human rights concerns for women and girls in East and Southern Africa. [19] The shame and embarrassment associated with menstrual periods can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, further hindering their ability to participate fully in educational and social activities.
Another major challenge is the limited access to accurate information and education about menstruation. Many girls lack the knowledge and resources to effectively manage their periods, leading to confusion, misinformation, and potentially harmful practices. This lack of education not only affects girls' immediate health and well-being but also perpetuates the cycle of stigma and marginalization that often surrounds menstrual health.
Related: 12 Frequently Asked Menstruation Questions and Answers for Africans to Know
Addressing the menstrual health challenges facing African girls requires a multifaceted and holistic approach that considers both the practical and sociocultural aspects of the issue. Some key factors to consider in implementing effective menstrual health management solutions include:
Governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners should work together to develop and distribute subsidized or free menstrual products, ensuring that girls and women in resource-limited settings have the necessary tools to manage their periods with dignity and safety.
Integrating menstrual health education into school curriculums, community programs, and public health initiatives can empower girls and women with the knowledge and skills to manage their periods effectively. This should include information on the biological aspects of menstruation, proper hygiene practices, and the normalization of this natural bodily function.
Engaging with community leaders, religious figures, and families to challenge the stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation is important. Promoting open dialogue, challenging harmful gender norms, and creating safe spaces for girls to discuss their experiences can help destigmatize menstruation and foster a more supportive environment.
Ensuring that schools and communities have access to clean water, private and hygienic toilet facilities, and safe waste disposal systems can greatly improve the ability of girls to manage their periods with dignity and comfort.
Stakeholders should advocate for policies and legislation that prioritize menstrual health, including the provision of free or subsidized menstrual products, the integration of menstrual health education into school curricula, and the improvement of WASH infrastructure in schools and communities.
Related: Ending Period Poverty in Nigeria: AHF's Efforts to Empower Women and Girls
Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being, yet it remains a neglected issue for many African girls. The challenges they face, including limited access to menstrual hygiene products, lack of education, and sociocultural taboos, can have devastating consequences on their health and wellbeing.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach that addresses the practical, educational, and sociocultural barriers to safe menstrual health management. By improving access to affordable menstrual products, providing comprehensive menstrual health education, challenging harmful stigmas, and improving WASH infrastructure, we can empower African girls to manage their periods with dignity, confidence, and safety. This will enhance their entire wellbeing and enable them to contribute to the broader development and prosperity of their communities.
References
Published: Day, Month, 2024
© 2024. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source attribution.
DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.
